Throughout history, female body shapes have played a big role in the way women perceive themselves, whether for vanity reasons or not. There are four basic shape types, and which all depend on the bust, waist and hips are physical inflection points, and the ratios of their circumferences, which are used to define the basic shape. These are sometimes described as banana, pear, apple or hourglass shapes.
The Pear Shape
The pear shape is said to be the most common shape among women. Typically women with pear shaped bodies have a slender face and neck. Shoulders are shapely but also narrow and slope downward. Small to medium bust and a well defined waist. While the lower area – buttocks, hips, thighs and calves are comparatively larger holding most of the weight. Meaning your upper body is noticeably smaller than your lower body.
With your hip measurement being greater than the bust in measurement the distribution of fat varies, with fat tending to deposit first in the buttocks, hips and thighs. As your body fat percentage increases, an increasing proportion of body fat is distributed around the waist and upper abdomen.
The Apple Shape
Here are some common characteristics of the lovely shaped apple. You tend to have a softer fuller middle, with full shapely breast. Your have broader shoulders and upper arms with an undefined waist. You will have thinner hips and thighs and a flatter rear end than most. When Apples gain weight, they have a tendency to gain in the midsection.
It was interesting to note that apple shaped women are prone to have have much higher androgen levels compared to women with other body shapes. Because of this higher androgen level, the skeletal developments develop in a masculine pattern, meaning that fat is mainly distributed in the chest, face and abdomen.
The Hourglass Shape
Here are some common characteristics of the curvaceous hourglass figure. They have the most proportioned body shape with their shapely shoulders and curvy hips being equal in size. Your bust will be medium to full, and is a much envied asset. Your waist is very defined, while your thighs and bottom are full and curvy as well. I found that the “The hip and bust are almost of equal size with a narrow waist. Body fat distribution tends to be around both the upper body and lower body. This body type enlarges the arms, chest, hips and rear before other parts, including waist and upper abdomen.”
The Rectangle Shape
Here are some common characteristics of the alluring rectangle. Your figure is lean and athletic. You may have a fuller neck and your back is broad. Your shoulders and hips are balanced between a straighter torso with a waist that has little or no curves.
There is little difference between measurements of the chest, waist and hips. Your bust is usually small to medium in size and your hips are square and your derriere is flat. You are blessed with slim long arms and slender lengthy legs. When you gain weight it tends to go to your tummy forming a little pot belly, and your thighs.
So, whats your shape? Once you find out your shape it’s easier to figure out which clothes compliment your shape, which foods are best for you, and the most effect exercises you can do.
About The Author
Interesting! I took a quiz once and my body shape came up as “Ruler”. I guess it’s the same as rectangle, since that describes it very well.
[Reply to this Comment]
Thank you for this. I am a perfect hourglass, I it’s sometimes really hard to find clothes that fit right. How can I find clothes that are feminine, and don’t hide my shape (like being baggy) but don’t draw unwanted attention to it?
[Reply to this Comment]